Six months have passed since the formation of the Galactic Federation under the leadership of Commander Jane Shepard, now President Shepard. While the new states continue to bicker over their new Constitution, the Federal legislative has recognized President Shepard and her administration as legitimate leaders of the Federal government.

Primarch Adrien Victus withdrew from the old Turian Republic Capital world after a "Black Flag" campaign by Federation Forces. Victus refuses to recognize the new but formable Federation and also refuses to leave the resource-rich worlds of the old Republic in the hands of the Federation. Federal intelligence has reported to Shepard of Victus' rearmament and new plans for an invasion of the old Republic.

The Citadel Council has been calling for peace talks between the Federation and the Hierarchy. Even though Shepard has agreed, Victus refuses unless the seven worlds the Federation illegally holds are returned. This is something President Shepard simply can't agree to. Shepard has been contemplating what many think is impossible. Despite the Hierarchy being weakened by the Reaper War and the Turian Civil War, it is still one of the most powerful military entities in the galaxy. Shepard believes that only through the conquest of the Hierarchy can the Federation's safety and security be secured, something that her High Command deems highly unlikely or simply impossible to accomplish. All parties agree that a defensive war is more feasible with the current resources, equipment, supplies, and mass. Shepard relents but informs her cabinet and High Command that they will revisit this subject in the future.

Admiral Tali'Zorah is the Federation's most wanted individual. A propaganda campaign has slandered the Zorah name, mostly propagated by the media. Shepard's Administration has neither confirmed nor denied the accusations against her and, under Shepard's orders, refuses to answer any questions regarding her old friend.

--

Admiral Tali'Zorah is walking the streets of Illium. She is here to talk to an old friend for help. She knows she is being watched by the Federation. Luckily, she is not in the Federation but the Asari Republics. Still, she has to be careful. Hopefully, this old friend can help. She has used all her contacts and goodwill she has created. Many don't dare go against the leader of the Federation. The people may be free. But the air is oppressive in the Federation. Shepard has created a Shadow Police State. If Tali is to find what she needs to bring down Shepard, it has to be outside the Federation itself. Away from President Jane Shepard and her government. It is an autocracy in all but name. Garrus was played for a fool along with so many who supported her. Victus, however, is not fooled by Shepard. But Tali won't support Victus. She won't get rid of one tyrant just to be replaced by another.

Tali walked up a set of stairs. The evosuit she wears is not her old one. She had to leave that one behind. She even had to abandon her old name. She goes by Kali'Reeger, a name similar to an old friend of hers who died in the Reaper War. The war she now knows her old friend and commander never survived. She truly died in that war, and whoever leads this Federation is not her friend and confidant. She is long dead.

Tali makes it to the old bar in Nos Astra Spaceport. She sits at a secluded corner of the bar, her back against the wall. Tali sees many Turians, Asari, Salarians, humans, and a few Kroagn and Quarans having the time of their lives. While she was once a prominent member of her people's society, she is now a sort of bogeyman, a cautionary tale to be told to children. She has finally done it. She is on the same level as her father. She is her father's equal. She checked the watch Garrus gave her when they met up not too long after he came back. She is a little early. As she looked up, an Asari waitress came up, handing her a menu. Tali just asked for water for the time being. The waitress acknowledged the request. As she got her drink, she saw another Quarian female walk in. She is the one she's been waiting for. Tali barely waves at her, but she sees and walks over.

"Miss Reeger, I presume?" she asks as Tali nods. The Quarian sits down beside her.

"Your message was very vague, old friend... you look horrible..." she remarks. Tali just sighed.

"Yes, well, that's what happens when the Federation watches you 24/7..." Tali states as the friend looks at the menu.

"Yes... Well, the Federation has been very busy. Shepard is preparing for an invasion of the Hierarchy...even though she promised to only seek a defensive war," Tali's friend said. Tali could not believe that. Before she left, she knew of the Federation's resources and manpower situation. Invading the Hierarchy is suicide.

"...Did you get what I wanted?" Tali asks. The Quarian slides a data disk to her. Tali grabs it and inserts it into her wrist computer. The data that comes up from what she reads is not exactly what she wants, but it is enough to get her started.

"Getting you that intel took quite a bit. Shepard really does have friends in low places. We are even old friend..." Tali's friend says as she gets up.

"Get something to eat. The waitress will know to charge my account..." she says as she leaves. Tali sees her friend leave. She is alone again.

—

President Jane Shepard sits in a cabinet meeting, feeling frustrated and reminded of why she never wanted to go into politics. She made a mental note to apologize to Anderson the next time she visited his grave. The Turian Minister of War went over the current situation - their forces were engaged in a difficult ground war on a resource-rich planet, which they needed to hold in order to defend against the Hierarchy. The Federal Navy was holding its own but required repairs and rearmament soon.

The Alliance was in a similar situation, but much worse off than the Federation. They were relieved that they were no longer fighting Shepard, but the situation was dire. As the Turian finished his report, the financial minister began discussing the state of trade. Trade had resumed with the Council and other factions, except for the Hierarchy. Shipyards were operating at full capacity, repairing both Navy ships and civilian vessels. The economy was still unstable, but it was heading in the right direction.

Overall, the war was progressing, and many of Shepard's supporters were eagerly waiting for her to bring peace. They understood that it was not her but Victus who was prolonging the conflict. However, Shepard knew that she needed to end it soon, not just for those who supported her coup, but for the sake of her people. The Secretary of State then addressed the Tali'Zorah question, stating that the media and the Quarian people were demanding answers. Shepard acknowledged that she had delayed addressing this issue for too long and gave her approval to proceed. The Secretary of State then raised another concern - the rearmament of the Asari Republics and the Salarian Union. Federal Intelligence had reported a significant increase in their military forces, primarily along the Hierarchy's borders. The Minister of War added that while the mobilization seemed focused on the Hierarchy, Federal forces were prepared in case their intentions changed. Shepard was surprised not by the mention of Council Forces, but by the actions of these nations themselves. The Secretary of State advised Shepard that the Federation might need to start engaging in individual discussions with the Salarians and Asari soon.

After the meeting concluded, Shepard remained in the conference room of her ship, gazing out of a window at the Former Turian Republic Capital World. She felt the comforting embrace of her lover, Katherine Hudson, XO and Helm Officer of the Enterprise. Katherine rested her chin on Shepard's shoulder and asked how the meeting went.

"Just as expected," Shepard replied with a sigh. "They only talk about holding back, defending what we have. There's no sense of urgency. Victus will keep coming, no matter how many times we beat him back. Only an invasion into the Hierarchy will make him understand that we mean business. But no, they want to wait and see. Wait and see. We saw what happened when we waited and saw... billions dead, Reapers on every planet we called home. And now, we're doing the same."

Katherine found a chair and sat down, offering a different perspective. "No offense, love, but this is the Turian Hierarchy. Despite the Reapers, the Alliance, and you, they are still the most powerful military force in the galaxy. It took us four months to drive them off the planet, and now we're stuck on another world. The cabinet is right in this case. We simply aren't ready, especially with Kali'Reeger out there." Katherine's words reflected her understanding of Shepard's headstrong and stubborn nature, but she also noticed that Shepard's eagerness for invasion was out of character.

Shepard turned to look at Katherine, who was using Tali's alias. She then gazed back out the window, lost in her thoughts. Phoenix, the organization that had saved her, had been keeping an eye on Tali. Shepard had received a message a few days ago that they had lost track of her on Illium. Shepard let out a sigh and walked out of the conference room, with Katherine following closely behind.

—

Tali remains on Illium, following the leads provided by the intel she received. Her investigation leads her to an abandoned building located in the industrial district. Approaching the door of the warehouse, Tali retrieves a data disk and inserts it into the keypad, granting her access. With a soft click, the door opens, and Tali cautiously enters, her pistol at the ready. The pistol she carries is of Federal design, a human variant based on the old USP model, utilizing thermal clips like most modern weapons. However, these clips are loaded into a magazine, resembling old magazine-based firearms. The Magazine-Thermal Clip system is commonly used in Federal ground weapon systems.

Keeping her pistol lowered but prepared for any potential threats, Tali proceeds towards the office within the warehouse. Taking a seat at the antiquated computer, she utilizes the admin access granted by the data disk. Accessing the data files, Tali discovers that Shepard is utilizing Nos Astra Spaceport to import significant quantities of resources and supplies. This information remains undisclosed to her cabinet and the legislative body, known only to Shepard and her High Command. Although the warehouse Tali is currently in may not house the supplies directly, it is somehow connected to the system being employed.

As Tali swiftly sifts through the extensive list of company orders, she eventually locates the specific information she has been seeking. However, before she can delve into its contents, she hears commotion originating from the ground floor. Initiating a download process, Tali cautiously moves towards a darkened window to investigate the source of the disturbance.

As Tali finds herself trapped inside the office, three Turian soldiers enter, accompanied by another Turian officer. Sensing the urgency of the situation, she discreetly positions her external microphone near the group, hoping to gather vital information about the unfolding events. Time seems to slow down as Tali witnesses the arrival of three Federal soldiers and an officer, leaving her stunned by their conversation.

The Federal officer demands, "Do you have what we asked for?"

Confidently, the Turian soldier responds, "Certainly... Your government should be pleased with the quality of the merchandise," as he presents a metal briefcase. The Federal officer opens the briefcase, takes a moment to inspect its contents, and then closes it.

Curious about the success rate, the officer asks, "What is the detection rate?"

The other officer replies, "As requested, it stands at 85% with an infection rate of 90%..."

The Federal officer gestures for a briefcase of their own, stating, "We have 750 million in untraceable and unmarked cred chits. Another 800 will follow once we confirm its effectiveness..." Following the exchange of briefcases, both groups depart.

Tali can hardly believe what she has just overheard. Hastily, she retreats to the council and gathers whatever she can. The shocking revelation she has stumbled upon now takes precedence over whatever she was initially pursuing.

Tali knew she had to warn someone, even if it seemed impossible. She cautiously left the warehouse and located the Federal Squad near a shuttle. Staying hidden in the shadows, she aimed her external microphone at the group, hoping to gather information. However, the soldiers remained silent, leaving Tali puzzled about their presence. She searched for the metal case and eventually found it, guarded by three soldiers while the officer was nowhere to be seen. Tali realized she needed to retrieve that case, so she attached a suppressor to her pistol, determined to approach the situation strategically.

The soldiers were heavily armed and armored, donning urban camo in red and gray. They carried Federal Scar Rifles with a magazine-thermal clip system. Two soldiers sat near the case, while the third stood apart from the group. Tali carefully approached, her pistol raised. It was a long walk to some nearby crates, where she quickly glanced and aimed at the lone soldier who was out of sight from the others. With a few precise shots, the Federal soldier fell to the ground.

As the trooper hit the ground, the other two soldiers heard the noise and immediately got up from their seats. They pulled the bolts of their rifles and moved towards their fallen comrade. One of them was faster than the other. Tali aimed at the soldier trailing behind and fired twice, hitting him in the helmeted head and neck. The trooper fell, clutching his neck in pain. The remaining soldier, now aware of the suppressed shots, directed his rifle towards the source. Tali looked up slightly and noticed the trooper looking just past her to the left. She aimed at him and unleashed a flurry of bullets, causing him to collapse with a heavy thud.

Approaching the fallen trooper, Tali confirmed that the one shot in the neck had ceased moving. She then proceeded to the case, opening it and discovering three vials with spots for a fourth. The vials contained a long and slim shape, filled with a metallic black liquid substance that seemed to move as if alive, which deeply unsettled Tali. Despite her desire to take them, she realized the consequences of doing so. Shepard would send her army after her, and she already had enough trouble with the Federation. Instead, she decided to record and take pictures of the vitals for intel purposes. Tali observed the liquid with a mix of fear and curiosity before closing the case. To create the appearance that the soldiers were after the case, she adjusted its position, making it look somewhat convincing.

Before leaving, Tali quickly retrieves a SCAR rifle from one of the fallen troopers, equipped with a slim holo sight and a small suppressor. She also grabs the troopers' ammunition belts. With a sense of urgency, she makes her way out of the area, determined to contact Liara, Wrex, or even Garrus. The mysterious liquid she encountered is clearly dangerous, as evidenced by the Federal government's willingness to pay a hefty sum of 1.55 Billion Credits for it. As she departs, Tali overhears the voice of an officer and two unfamiliar troopers, who alert others over the radio about the attack. The officer instructs them to retrieve the deceased and evacuate before the bomb detonates. They still possess the other three vials and must reach the Federation.

Tali sifts through her contacts, attempting to reach Liara, but to no avail. She tries contacting Wrex next, with no success. Finally, she tries Garrus, and surprisingly, he answers.

"Who is this?" Garrus asks, unable to recognize the caller's voice and identity. Tali pauses at a balcony, holding her screen up to her face.

"It's me, Garrus... Tal... Kali'Regger... I'm sending you something. Garrus, there's a bomb here in Nos Astra... the perpetrators are Federals..." Tali states, her voice filled with urgency. Garrus remains silent as he watches the footage, starting from the moment Tali was in the warehouse to when she discovered the vital signs in the Federal Shuttle. Tali notices the tension building in Garrus's mandibles, a clear sign of his anger. She keeps her eyes fixed on the warehouse district, observing a group of workers fleeing from a large warehouse. Suddenly, as if on cue, an explosion tears through the warehouse, violently propelling her into a nearby wall.

"Tali! What's happening?" Garrus exclaims, his voice filled with concern. Tali quickly regains her footing and rushes back to the balcony. As the fires begin to subside, a dark black mist emerges, engulfing those who survived the explosion. Then, she hears it—the chilling screech of the Reapers.

"Kella... Garrus... she weaponized Reaper nanites..." Tali breathlessly informs as she rushes down a flight of stairs. Garrus remains on the line as Tali reaches ground level, witnessing civilians fleeing from what appear to be Reaper Husks. However, these Husks are different from the ones she's encountered before. They resemble human husks, their cybernetics clearly visible, unlike the variants seen during the Reaper War. Tali swiftly runs away from the Husks, witnessing them attack defenseless civilians.

The ominous black mist moves with deadly precision, indicating a calculated intent. Tali notices Illium Security swiftly deploying and withdrawing security forces, but unfortunately, they are quickly overwhelmed. The shuttles then turn their weapons towards the horde of husks. Within minutes, husks start scaling building walls, with some even leaping onto the shuttles themselves. Several shuttles are brought down. Tali continues running, feeling utterly helpless. Eventually, she joins a group of shuttles evacuating civilians. Some of the officers question why she possesses a Federal rifle but decide not to pursue it at the moment. As the shuttle takes off, Tali witnesses the husks getting closer to the security officers, who open fire before boarding the shuttle and leaving the warehouse district.

Tali gazes out of the shuttle and sees the mist dissipating, along with the husks falling to the ground. She remains on the shuttle, observing the horde's demise. Suddenly, she hears Garrus' voice.

"Kali!" Garrus calls out. Tali glances at her omni-tool and realizes that Garrus is still connected.

"Yeah... I'm still here," Tali responds. The group and security personnel onboard listen intently to their conversation, recognizing the Turian. He is well-known to everyone.

"Once you land, find safety. I'll arrange for Liara to get you off the planet," Garrus advises before the connection is abruptly cut. An Asari looks at Tali, clearly intrigued.

"Are... are you Admiral Zorah?" the Asari stammers. Tali meets the Asari's gaze, wanting to say yes, but knowing she can't reveal her true identity just yet.

"No... My name is Kali'Reeger... Sorry for any confusion... Garrus is an old friend from our C-Sec days," Tali improvises, fabricating a story. Although they may not fully believe her, they let it slide, evident that she shares a connection with the Turian. The security officer now questions how she came to possess a Federal rifle. Tali quickly concocts another story, which the officers reluctantly accept, or so she assumes.

As the shuttle touches down and the door swings open, an incredible sight unfolds before her eyes. Countless workers and civilians are bustling about, lending a helping hand to one another. She can't help but notice the many individuals with injuries, bravely persevering. Tali steps off the shuttle, quickly veering away from the crowd, eager to avoid any trouble. Even though she's in the Asari Republics, she knows Shepard will do whatever it takes to put an end to her, not necessarily by taking her life, but by quelling any resistance she may be stirring up. Leaving the area behind, Tali makes her way towards an abandoned building near the aid site. With the help of her Omi-tool, she gains entry and drags herself inside. Making her way up to the third floor, she discovers a few chairs and a table. With a tired sigh, she places her rifle and three belts of magazines on the table, taking a seat and anxiously awaiting her friends' arrival to offer their assistance.